Overview of the Rococo Art Movement

Sep 22, 2024

Rococo Art Movement Overview

Introduction

  • Mrs. Alder, the Art History Geek, introduces the Rococo Art Movement.
  • Focus on understanding the movement's history, characteristics, and key artists.
  • Emphasis on the humorous aspects of wealthy lifestyles during this period.

Historical Context

  • Start of Rococo Movement: Early 1700s, specifically 1702.
  • Wealthy individuals sought to understand what constitutes a happy life.
    • Key Idea: "If it feels good, it is good."
    • Activities include indulging in wine, food, and romantic escapades.

Origins of the Name

  • Rococo: Derived from a book by Jean Mondon about the first Rococo art movement.
  • The term refers to decorative shell-like motifs from the Baroque period.

Influential Factors Leading to Rococo

  1. **Baroque Art Style:
    • Transition from Renaissance to Baroque, known for drama and theatricality.
    • Features sharp diagonals, light and dark contrasts, and painterly brush strokes.
  2. Shift from Monarchy to Aristocracy:
    • After the death of Louis XIV, focus shifts to wealthy aristocrats who owned 90% of wealth.
    • This shift occurred just before the French Revolution (1789).
  3. Rise of the Royal Academy:
    • Established in 1667, a prestigious institution for artists and exhibitions.
    • Introduction of salons for discussions about art, politics, and literature.
    • Hierarchies in art: history paintings, portraits, genre paintings, landscapes, still lifes.

Architectural Examples

Church of Wurzenheiligen

  • Combines Baroque and Rococo styles.
  • Features include:
    • Dramatic architecture with movement and theater.
    • Pastel colors and organic motifs indicative of Rococo.
    • Architectural fantasy with decorative elements lacking structural function.

Nymphenburg Palace

  • Represents the zenith of Rococo architecture.
  • Key features include:
    • Hall of Mirrors with pastel colors and silver gilt.
    • Use of flora and fauna motifs, creating a light and airy atmosphere.
    • Reflection and illusion in design.
    • Shift from Christian themes to Greco-Roman mythology.

Core Characteristics of Rococo Art

  • Rococo is marked by:
    • Pastel colors: Soft blues, greens, pinks, and yellows.
    • Fertility and abundance: Nature themes and sensual designs.
    • Flirtatious and playful subjects: Emphasis on leisure and romance.

Key Artists and Works

Jean-Antoine Watteau

  • Significant piece: "Embarkation to Cytheria" (1717)
    • Depicted wealthy individuals in leisure activities.
    • Resulted in the creation of the new genre "fait grand."

Fragonard

  • Famous work: "The Swing" (1766)
    • Context: Originally commissioned by an unknown aristocrat, taken over by Fragonard.
    • Characteristics:
      • Strong diagonal light directing focus on the woman in a pink dress.
      • Use of painterly strokes and lush garden setting.
      • Symbolism of a love triangle and playful dynamics between characters.

Conclusion

  • Key factors leading to the Rococo movement:
    • Influence of Baroque style.
    • Shift in patronage from monarchy to aristocracy.
    • Development and influence of the Royal Academy.
  • Transition from Rococo to Enlightenment and Neoclassicism, focusing on morality and community.
  • Encouragement to download a summary PDF and engage with the content.